Notts County vs.
Bradford City game!
Let's hear your thoughts and predictions.
By Joe Jones
The first time that Notts County faced Leyton Orient was 103 years ago, when the Magpies travel to Millfields Road for a Division Two fixture. The East London outfit won 1-0.
A total of 77 fixtures have taken place between the two, with the Magpies holding the upper hand historically - 30 wins, 19 draws and 28 defeats against Orient.
Leyton Orient were founded in 1881, and have had several name changes throughout the years, including Eagle Cricket Club, Orient FC and Clapton Orient FC. The O's, who play in Waltham Forest, are the second-oldest league club in London behind Fulham.
The club's unusual name is alleged to come from one of the club's early players (Jack R Dearing) who was an employee of the Orient Shipping Company.
During the First World War. 41 members of the Clapton Orient team and staff joined up into the 17th Battalion Middlesex Regiment (the Footballers' Battalion), the highest of any football team in the country and the first to join up en masse.
During the Battle of the Somme, three players gave their lives for King and Country: Richard McFadden, George Scott and William Jonas. Prior to the First World War, O's striker Richard McFadden had saved the life of a boy who was drowning in the River Lea as well as rescuing a man from a burning building.
History was made on Saturday 30th April 1921 when the Prince of Wales, later to become King Edward VIII, visited Millfields Road to see the O's play Notts County. The Orient won 3-0 and this was the first time a member of royalty had attended a Football League match.
Leyton Orient were involved in a dispute with the Premier League over its decision to allow West Ham to use the Olympic Stadium in London, with the O's expressing an interest in the 2012 Olympics venue, but this has now been settled with a "confidential agreement".
Arguably the most famous fans of the club are Andrew and Julian Lloyd Webber. The album Variations, used as the theme tune for London Weekend Television's South Bank Show, was written by Andrew as the result of his losing a bet to his brother on the result of a Leyton Orient match. Julian later presented a gold disc of Variations to the club chairman at half time during a game with Leicester City.
In addition, David Beckham and Alfred Hitchcock were born in the borough.
---
Alan Smith is an injury doubt for Notts County ahead of the visit of Leyton Orient.
Smith has a hip problem and will most probably miss out, although his absence should not affect Magpies manager John Sheridan's selection too much as the 35-year-old has yet to feature during September.
Curtis Thompson has not played this season because of an ankle injury and he will not be ready in time for Saturday either.
Sheridan has plenty of options available should he wish to make any changes with the likes of Louis Laing, Stanley Aborah, Adam Campbell, Aaron Collins and Vadaine Oliver among those vying for recalls.
Orient defender Nicky Hunt remains a doubt after being forced off through injury last weekend at home to Yeovil Town.
The injury is not as bad as first feared after scan results showed no ligament damage but whether he is fit enough to return against the Magpies remains to be seen.
Striker Jay Simpson and midfielder Nigel Atangana made a positive impact off the bench last weekend, and are pushing for starts after their return from back and groin injuries respectively.
Recommended Comments
There are no comments to display.
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now